Roscommon GAA player in Shanghai blags photos with Xabi Alonso and Bayern teammates

It's a long way from Ballinameen GAA club in Roscommon.

Chris Bernie has taken some time away from his club footballing commitments to teach Chinese students in Shanghai. He regularly keeps in touch with sporting developments back home and we're proud to call him a reader. The Roscommon native experienced what must rank high as one of his highlights from his time in the Far East when he caught up with Pep Guardiola and his Bayern Munich squad, on their pre-season tour. Chris told us, 'I'm teaching in Shanghai, moved here 8 months ago. I live across the road from the football stadium [and] went over to see if I could get a glimpse of the training. 'Lucky enough to have bumped into a Chinese man who directed me to their private training ground. Was amazing to see Bayern train up close, especially to see Guardiaola in action. 'When the session ended they headed for the bus, lucky enough I got some great pics with five World Cup and Champions League winners. I think being the only westerners in the crowd made me stick out.' *All pictures taken by Leona Doolin. [caption id="attachment_32823" align="alignnone" width="630"] Xabi Alonso, rocking the towel around the neck look.[/caption] Chris added, 'Pass master Alonso must have appreciated my beard. 'Pure Bayern mania out here now, huge crowd outside there hotel and wherever else they go. They will play Inter tomorrow, cant wait for it.'